Shock absorbing bicycle handlebar assembly

ABSTRACT

A bicycle handlebar assembly for dampening and reducing the shock to which a cyclist is normally exposed is disclosed. The assembly includes a mounting block attached to the head of a bicycle front fork assembly. An upper linkage member and a lower linkage member that are parallel and spaced apart from each other are pivotally attached at their tail ends to the mounting block. A handlebar clamp for securing a handlebar thereto is pivotally attached to the front ends of the upper and lower linkage members. A dampening element is disposed against one of the linkage members for slowing the downward movement of the linkage members and serving as a sink for a downward force applied to the linkage members when the handlebars are urged downwards. In some preferred embodiments of the invention the dampening member is a layer of elastomeric material disposed between the upper and lower linkage members. In other embodiments of the invention the dampening members include a spring element.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of a co-pending application Ser. No.07/760,621, filed Sep. 19, 1991, now abandoned. That application is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 07/648,173,filed Jan. 30, 1991, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an assembly for attaching handlebarsto a bicycle and, more particularly, to a shock absorbing handlebarassembly that is capable of absorbing mechanical shock to which abicyclist is normally exposed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bicycles have proven to be very efficient vehicles for converting humanenergy into mechanical energy in order to produce self-propelled motion.Despite their usefulness, many bicycles suffer from one problem that candampen the enthusiasm of the most ardent cyclist. The problem is thatbicycles are not very good shock absorbers. Consequently, many of thebumps and jolts that a bicycle is exposed to are transferred with littlereduction in frequency or amplitude to the cyclist. These shocks mustthen be absorbed by the cyclist's body which, over time, may not be ableto withstand their effects. Shock exposure is of special concern topersons who enjoy either "mountain" or "off-road" bicycling and topersons who enjoy distance bicycling. Mountain and off-road bicyclistsare exposed to a significant amount of shock because the surfaces onwhich they ride are quite uneven, and consequently many of the terrainbumps are simply passed through the bicycles to the cyclist's limbs.Distance cyclists are subjected to mechanical vibrations which, whileless intense then those to which off-road cyclists are exposed, can overtime cause portions of their bodies to ache and become numb.

One part of the bicycle through which vibrations are transferred to thecyclist is the handlebars. In most bicycles, vertical motion caused bythe front wheel traveling over bumps or other surface unevenness is onlymarginally attenuated by compression of the front tire. As a result, themotion is transferred through the front wheel fork assembly through thestem of the assembly, through the handlebars attached to the stem, andfrom there into the hands and arms of the cyclist where it is absorbedby his/her joints. At the least, repeated exposure to this rapid up anddown motion can cause parts of one's body to go numb and serve only todetract from the pleasure of cycling. At the worst, this repeated shockcan induce individual pain or injury to the point where some individualssimply find it necessary to forego bicycling.

There have been some attempts to provide shock absorbing handlebars soas to minimize vibration transferred from bicycle to cyclist. Theseassemblies have typically comprised providing a linkage that allows thehandlebars to pivot in an arc relative to a point on a line runningthrough the front fork assembly stem. These assemblies have often beenprovided with some type of compressible member to dampen the pivotingmotion. A disadvantage of these assemblies is that they expose thecyclist's hands and arms to a downward and rearward pivoting motion thatproduces a whole new set of strains on the cyclist's body. Also, sincealmost all cyclists ride with the back portions of their hands facingforward, this inward and downward motion can be uncomfortable for thecyclist. Furthermore, because of these adverse affects of the pivotingmotion, many of the assemblies are designed so that they only allow thehandlebars to have a limited degree of movement. Consequently, theamount of vibration these assemblies are able to absorb is limited.Moreover, the design of many of these assemblies have made themunsuitable for use with triathlon handlebars and other nonstandardhandlebars which are favored by a growing number of cyclists. Thus, thepresent assemblies have proved to be of little value for reducing thevibrations to which a great number of cyclists are exposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a new and useful shock absorbing handlebarassembly for reducing the front fork shock which bicyclists mustotherwise endure. The assembly of this invention includes a set ofhandlebars that are mounted to a bicycle so that they move along arelatively straight path and have a relatively long path of movement sothat the assembly, rather than the cyclist, bears the brunt of themechanical shock.

The assembly of this invention includes a pair of spaced upper and lowerlinkage members pivotally attached to a mounting block that is securedto the stem of the bicycle front fork assembly. A handlebar clamp forsecuring a set of handlebars thereto is pivotally attached to the otherend of the linkage members. A dampening member that is in contact withat least one of the linkage members is provided to resist downwardmovement of the linkage members. The dampening member in mostembodiments of the invention also serves to restore the linkage membersto their original positions upon the release of the downward force onthe handlebars. Stop members, attached to one or both of the linkagemembers limit the upward movement of the members and the handlebars.

In some preferred embodiments of this assembly, the dampening membercomprises one or more elastomeric elements that are disposed between thelinkage members. In other preferred embodiments of the invention,springs that are mechanically linked to one or both of the linkagemembers serve as the dampening members.

When a bicycle with this assembly is subjected to front wheel vibrationor shock, the cyclist's natural motion will cause him/her to push downon the handlebars in normal fashion. The linkage members will, in turn,be forced to pivot so as to cause the handlebar clamp and the handlebarto move downwards in a substantially linear path. During the downwardmotion, the dampening member absorbs a portion of the downward forceimposed upon the assembly so as to cushion and slow the downwardmovement of the handlebars. When the cyclist releases downward force onthe handlebars, the dampening member urges the linkage members upwardsso that the assembly returns to its initial position.

The handlebar assembly of this invention absorbs a significant amount ofthe front-end shock that results from the vertical movement to which abicycle is regularly exposed. Since the assembly, rather than thecyclist, absorbs the shock, the incidence of the cyclist's hands andarms stiffening from the adverse effect of this motion is reduced.

When this handlebar assembly is exposed to a shock-induced downwardmotion, the handlebars move in the same general orientation in which thecyclist's hands and arms move. In other words, the assembly allows thecyclist's body to move along the same path that it would naturally moveif the assembly was not present. Thus, the assembly serves to attenuatethe shock without causing the cyclist any unnatural or uncomfortablemovements.

A related advantage of the handlebar assembly of this invention is thatsince it allows the cyclist to move in his/her natural path when exposedto shock, the range over which the handlebars are allowed to travel isrelatively long. This allows the assembly to absorb even some of thelarger front-end shocks to which mountain and off-road bicyclists areexposed.

Moreover, in some embodiments of the invention the dampening member mayactually consist of multiple dampen elements. For example, there may betwo dampening springs. Alternatively, there may be a spring and a pairof dampening pads or gas shock. An advantage of these embodiments of theinvention is that one of the dampening elements can serve to dampen thehigher frequency "road" vibrations while the other can serve to reduceexposure to low frequency "bump" vibrations.

Also, the assembly of this invention is both lightweight and compact insize. Furthermore, the design of the assembly and the type of movementto which it exposes the handlebars allows its ready use withtriathlon-style and other unusual types of handlebars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.The above and further advantages of this invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the handlebarassembly constructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the handlebar assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view, in partial cross section, of the handlebarassembly showing the assembly in a first static position and, in dashedlines, in a downward position;

FIG. 4 is a side view, in partial cross section, showing an alternativeembodiment of the handlebar assembly of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing, in partial cross section, a thirdembodiment of the handlebar assembly of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view, in partial cross section, showing thehandlebar assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view shown, in partial cross section, depicting how thehandlebar assembly of FIG. 5 can be adjusted, wherein one position ofthe assembly is shown in solid and the other in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating, in partial cross section, a fourthembodiment of the handlebar of this invention;

FIG. 9a is a top plan view of the handlebar assembly of this inventionincluding a speedometer processing unit;

FIG. 9b is a side view, in partial cross section, of the speedometer ofFIG. 9a mounted on the handlebar assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view of the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a a partially cutaway bottom view of the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13a and 13b are partially cutaway views of a first fasteningassemblies used in conjunction with the invention of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway side view of another embodiment of thisinvention of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a a partially cutaway bottom view of the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway view of the fastening assembly used inconjunction with the invention of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 18a is a cross sectional view of the fastening assembly employed inthe embodiment of the invention of FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a partially cutaway side view of the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partially cutaway bottom view of the embodiment of theinvention of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an alternative biasing assembly that can beincorporated into the various embodiments of this invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative biasing assembly that can beincorporated into the various embodiments of this invention; and

FIG. 23 is a side view of an alternative biasing assembly that can beincorporated into the various embodiments of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the handlebar assembly 10of this invention mounted to the stem 12 of a bicycle front forkassembly 14. The assembly includes a mounting block 16 that is securedto the head of the front fork assembly stem 12. A pair of upper andlower linkage members 18 and 20, respectively, are pivotally attached atone end to the mounting block 16. The linkage members 18 and 20 arearranged substantially parallel to each other and pivotally attached attheir second ends to a handlebar clamp 22 to which handlebars 24 aresecured. The linkage members 18 and 20 are spaced apart from each otherand an elastomeric block 26 is disposed in the space therebetween.

The handlebar assembly 10 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. Themounting block 16 consists of a metal block that is secured to the frontfork assembly stem 12. The upper and lower linkage members, 18 and 20respectively, are generally rectangularly-shaped pieces that haveperpendicularly extending flanges, 28 and 29 respectively, along theirlateral edges. The flanges 28 associated with the upper linkage member18 extend downward. The flanges 29 associated with the lower linkagemember 20 extend upward. Integral with both sets of flanges 28 and 29are mounting arms 30 that extend longitudinally outwards from each ofthe four corners of the linkage members 18 and 20. The linkage members18 and 20 are secured to the mounting block 16 by pivot pins 32. Thepivot pins 32 extend through openings 34 formed in the mounting arms 30and openings 36 formed in the mounting block 16.

One of the upper linkage member mounting arms 30 that is against themounting block 16 is provided with a downwardly extending tab 37. Thetab 37 normally abuts a stop pin 38 that extends outward from themounting block 16. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stoppin 38 is in the form of an adjustable screw, and the head of the screwis in the form of a cam 39, so that the static angle of the assembly 10relative to the bicycle stem 12 can be selectively set.

The handlebar clamp 22 is in the form of a one-piece structure that hasa main body 40 with the basic shape of elongated split O-ring. A pair ofears 42 formed with axially aligned openings 44 are affixed to the body40 on either side of the split. The ear openings 44 are dimensioned toaccommodate a fastener, not illustrated, that serves to urge the ends ofthe body 40 together so as to compression secure the handlebars 24 inthe clamp 22. A pair of pillars 48, each with a triangular profile andintegral with the body 40, secure the handlebar clamp 22 to the linkagemembers 18 and 20. Each pillar 48 is disposed between the free mountingarms 30 on the front end of an adjacent linkage member 18 or 20. Thepillars 48 are attached to the mounting arms 30 by pivot pins 32 whichextend through openings 34 in the mountings arms and openings 49 formedin the ears. Lower linkage member mounting arms 30 to which thehandlebar clamp 22 is attached are each provided with a lip 50 thatextends inward perpendicularly from the mounting arm. The lower linkagemember mounting arm lips 50 serve to reinforce the mounting arms 30.

The elastomeric block 26 comprises a layer of elastomeric material 52that is sandwiched between two opposed metal plates 54. A suitableelastomeric material 52 that has the appropriate qualities, i.e., isresilient to the effects of both compression and shear, is a low ormedium durometer polyurethane such as a polyurethane having a of betweenapproximately 40 to 60 on the Shore Durometer A Scale. The elastomericlayer can have a thickness of between approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches.The actual thickness will depend on factors such as the location of thepivots and the specific characteristics of the elastomeric material.Epoxy or other suitable adhesive is used to secure the metal plates 54to the elastomeric material 52. The elastomeric block 26 is secured inplace by the linkage member flanges 28 and 29, a pair of ribs 56 thatextend downward from upper linkage member 18, and a pair of ribs 58(shown in phantom in FIG. 3) that extend upwards from the lower linkagemember 20. The upper linkage member ribs 56 extend between the adjacentupper linkage member flanges 28 and only extend as far downwards as theflanges. The lower linkage member ribs 58 similarly extend between theadjacent lower linkage member flanges 29 and only extend as far upwardsas the flanges.

When a bicycle is provided with the handlebar assembly 10 of thisinvention, the handlebars 24 are initially in the same position as whenthey are mounted with a conventional one-piece, static mounting arm.When a cyclist mounts the bicycle there may be some limited downwardmovement of the assembly 10 as represented by bidirectional arrow 60.The maximum movement of the assembly occurs when the bicycle passes overa bump or other surface roughness that forces the cyclist's upper bodydownward. When this happens, the cyclist pushes downwards on thehandlebar 24, which in turn, causes the linkage members 18 and 20 topivot downwards and to be urged together as is shown in dashed lines inFIG. 3. When the linkage members 18 and 20 are moved in this manner,each member pivots about the individual pivot point around which it issecured to the mounting block 16. As a result, the handlebar clamp 22and the handlebars 24 attached thereto, travel downwards, in the path ofarc of such a wide circumference that for all intents and purposes it isessentially a straight path.

During the downward motion of the assembly 10, the elastomeric block 26remains secured in place by the linkage member flanges 28 and 29 and thelinkage member ribs 56 and 58. Consequently, the elastomeric material 52is both compressed by the inward movement of the linkage members 18 and20 and is laterally deformed or sheared. The compression of theelastomeric material 52 serves as a sink for a portion of the downwardforce the cyclist imposes on the assembly 10 so as to slow downwardmovement of the linkage members 18 and 20 and the other elements of theassembly 10. The shearing of the elastomeric material further serves todeaccelerate the downward motion of the linkage members 18 and 20 tofurther reduce the shock to which the cyclist is exposed. Also duringthis movement of the assembly 10, the upper linkage member mounting armtab 37 is pivoted rearward away from the stop pin 38.

When the cyclist's upper body returns to its intitial position, thedownward force on the assembly 10 is released. The resilient propertiesof the elastomeric material 52 cause it to return to its initial shapeso that, in turn, the linkage members 18 and 20 are urged upwards. Theupward motion of the linkage members 18 and 20 is then stopped by theupper linkage member tab 37 when it abuts the stop pin 38. The upwardsmotion itself is actually dampened by a portion of the return energywhich is absorbed by the elastomeric material 52 as it recovers from theshear state to its initial state. The absorption of this energy servesto dampen the rate at which the assembly 10 returns to the initial,static, state.

The handlebar assembly 10 of this invention serves to absorb asignificant portion of the front end shock to which a cyclist would beexposed. Whenever bumps or other surface discontinuities cause thecyclist's upper body to be pressed downward, the linkage members 18 and20 are forced downward. A portion of the downward force the cyclistimparts is then absorbed by the compression and lateral deformation ofthe elastomeric material 52. Thus, the downward movement of the linkagemembers 18 and 20 and the compression and deformation of the elastomericmaterial 52 serve to absorb a sizable portion of the mechanical shockwhich would otherwise be absorbed by the cyclist's upper body.

Another advantage of the handler assembly 10 of this invention is thatthe parallel linkage members 18 and 20 move in a substantially linearlyand diagonally downward path when a force is imposed thereon. Thismovement is in line with the natural movement of the cyclist as his/herhands and arms travel downward. Furthermore, this movement does notcause the handlebars themselves to pivot inwards. In other words, as thehandlebars 24 move downwards, they do not rotate in the cyclist's hands.Thus, the movement of the handlebar assembly 10, including thehandlebars 24, is consistent with the natural movement of the cyclist soit does not impose any discomfort on the cyclist.

Furthermore, since the movement of the handlebar assembly 10 does notimpose any discomfort on the cyclist, the assembly is able to haverelatively long path of movement. This allows the assembly 10 to movedownwards, and to continue to absorb shock even when large bumps forcethe cyclist into relatively large downward movements. This furtherenhances the ability of the assembly 10 to absorb shock the cyclistwould otherwise feel.

Another feature of this invention is that the upper linkage member tab37 and the stop pin 38 cooperate to prevent the assembly 10 from movingupwards beyond a certain, selected angle. This prevents the assembly 10from pivoting upwards to the point where the linkage members 28 and 39meet. Consequently, when a cyclist pulls up on the handlebars 24, asfrequently happens when one pedals uphill, the assembly 10 limits theupward movement of the handlebars. This allows the cyclist to press offagainst the handlebars 24 so as to increase the amount of power that isapplied to the pedals. Moreover, the movement-stopping effect of the tab37 and pin 38 prevent an excessive spring back from handlebars 24 whichcould otherwise further fatigue the cyclist's upper body.

Moreover, since the assembly 10 does not pivot inward significantly itis well suited for use with triathlon handlebars and other nonstandardhandlebars that require the cyclist to ride with hands and armsoutstretched.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative handlebar assembly 70 constructedaccording to this invention. The assembly 70 includes an upper linkagemember and lower linkage member, 72 and 74 respectively, that arepivotally attached to a mounting block 75 which is secured to the headof a bicyle front fork assembly. The assembly 70 includes first andsecond elastomeric blocks 76 and 78, respectively, that are seated inthe space between the upper and lower linkage members 72 and 74. Thefirst elastomeric block 76 serves to dampen the downward movement of theassembly 70 when the cyclist pushes down. The second elastomeric block78 serves to dampen and stop the upward movement of the assembly afterthe cyclist releases the downward force. A handlebar clamp 80 identicalto the handlebar clamp 22 of the first embodiment of this invention isused to secure the handlebar 24 to the other elements of assembly 70.

The linkage members 72 and 74 are relatively longer than linkage members16 and 18 of the first embodiment of the invention. Upper linkage member72 is formed with a pair of downwardly extending flanges 82 along itslateral edges. Lower linkage member 74 is formed with a pair of upwardlyextending flanges 84 along its lateral edges. The upper linkage member72 is formed with a first base plate 86 at its tail end and a secondbase plate 88 that is stepped down from the first base plate 86. Thelower linkage member 74 is formed with a base plate 90, shown inphantom, that is relatively shorter than the adjacent flanges 84 so thatthe flanges extend rearward from the base plate. Elastomeric blocks 76and 78 are seated between upper linkage member second base plate 88 andlower linkage member base plate 90.

Each linkage member flange 82 and 84 is formed with a set of openings 94to facilitate mounting the linkage members 72 and 74 to the mountingblock 75 with pivot pins 96. The multiple openings 94 allow theadjustable mounting of the assembly 10 to the bicycle so that thecyclist can select how much forward of the front fork the handlebars 24are located. When this assembly 10 is mounted on the bicycle, themounting block 75 and head of the front fork assembly are located in thespace between the lower linkage member flanges 84.

The lower linkage member 74 is formed with a first upwardly extendingtongue 98 adjacent the tail edge of the base plate 90 and a secondupwardly extending tongue 100 adjacent the leading edge of the baseplate. The upper linkage member 72 has downwardly extending tongue 102that is located in approximately the middle of the second plate 88. Thelower linkage member first tongue 98 and the upper linkage member tongue102, in combination with the adjacent linkage member base plates 88 and90, define the space in which the first elastomeric block 76 is seated.The lower linkage member second tongue 100 and the upper linkage membertongue 102, in combination with the adjacent linkage member base plates88 and 90, define the space in which the second elastomeric block isseated. The linkage member tongues are dimensioned to that the lowerlinkage tongues 98 and 100 partially overlap the upper member linkagetongue 102. The linkage member tongues are further dimensioned so thatthe tips of the lower linkage member tongues 98 and 100 are spaced fromthe adjacent upper linkage member plate 88 and the upper linkage membertongue 102 is spaced from the lower linkage member base plate 90. Thespacing is such that when a downward force is imposed on the assembly 10and the linkage members 72 and 74 are urged together, the lower linkagemember tongues 98 and 100 remain separated from the upper linkage baseplate 88 and the upper linkage member remains separated from the lowerlinkage base plate 90.

The linkage member tongues are spaced from each other so that when theassembly 10 is a static position, the lower linkage member second tongue100 and the upper linkage member tongue 102 compresses or preloads thesecond elastomeric block 78, while the lower linkage member first tongue98 and the upper linkage member tongue do not impose a similar load onthe first elastomeric block 76.

When a bicycle equipped with handlebar assembly 70 is exposed to a frontend shock, the upper body of the cyclist will be forced downward in theusual manner. The hands and arms of the cyclist will press downward onthe handlebars 24 so as to cause the linkage members 72 and 74 to pivotdownwards. As the linkage members 72 and 74 pivot, the lower linkagemember first tongue 98 moves towards the upper linkage member tongue 102so as to compress the first elastomeric block 76 therebetween.Simultaneously, the lower linkage member second tongue 100 moves awayfrom the upper linkage member tongue 102 so that the static compressiveforce on the second elastomeric block 78 is reduced. After the cyclistreleases the downward force on the assembly 70, the resilient qualitiesof the first elastomeric block 76 causes it to expand which, in turn,causes the assembly 70 to pivot upwards. As the upper and lower linkagemembers, 72 and 74 respectively, pivot upwards, the lower linkage membersecond tongue 100 and the upper linkage member tongue 102 move towardseach other and recompress the second elastomeric block 78. Thisrecompression of the second elastomeric block 78 serves to first slowand then stop the upward motion of the assembly 70 so that the assemblyreturns to its intitial position.

The handlebar assembly 70 of this embodiment of the invention serves toreduce the shock to which a cyclist is exposed much like the assembly 10of the first embodiment. During the downward movement of the assembly70, the compression of the first elastomeric block 76 dampens andabsorbs much of the mechanical shock that would otherwise be transferredto the hands and arms of the cyclist. During the upward movement of theassembly 70, the recompression of the second elastomeric block 78 slowsthe movement of the linkage members 72 and 74 so that the cyclist is notexposed to any jolting motion during the return movement of the assembly70.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate another handlebar assembly 110 of this invention.This assembly 110 includes an upper linkage member and a lower linkagemember, 112 and 114 respectively, that are pivotally attached to amounting block 116 secured to the head of the bicycle front forkassembly stem 12. A handlebar clamp 118, similar to the handlebar clamp22 (FIG. 1) of the first described embodiment of this invention, ispivotally attached to the front ends of the linkage members 112 and 114and is used to secure the handlebars 24 to the assembly 110. A leafspring 120, one end of which is mounted in a holder 122 attached to thestem of the front fork assembly, serves to dampen and absorb thedownward motion of the handlebars 24 and the linkage members 112 and114. An adjustable lug assembly 124 controls the static position of thelinkage members 112 and 114 and stops the upward movement of theassembly 110.

The upper linkage member 112 is substantially identical in size andshape to the upper linkage member 18 of the first embodiment of theinvention (FIG. 1). The lower linkage member 114 has a base plate 126,located forward of the bicycle front fork assembly, and a pair offlanges 128 that extend perpendicularly downward from the lateral edgesof the base plate. The lower linkage member flanges 128 extend beyondthe tail end of the base plate 126 so as to function as mounting arms130 that are pivotally secured to the mounting block 116.

The holder 122 in which the leaf spring 120 is secured has a rectangularcross section and is secured to an exposed section of the bicycle frontfork assembly above the frame head tube by a metal strap or otherfastening member (fastening member not shown). The holder 122 is formedwith a top opening 123 from which the leaf spring 120 extends. In somepreferred embodiments of the invention, one or more threaded fasteners,not shown, may be used to secure the leaf spring 120 to the housing.

The leaf spring 120 is a single flexible band of metal. The metalforming the leaf spring may be wholly or partially covered with aplastic such as Teflon or material so as to inhibit corrosion and toreduce friction along the lower linkage member-spring interface. Theleaf spring 120 extends up from the holder 122 and curves forward sothat the end of the spring is disposed against the undersurface of thelower linkage member base plate 126.

Lug assembly 124 includes a finger 134 that is mounted to a plasticcylinder 136 that in turn is affixed to a rotatable pin 138 shaftmounted between the lower linkage member flanges 128 adjusts the head ofthe front fork assembly. The finger 134 is formed of reinforced rubberor material with similar resilient qualities and has a relatively thickwidth where fitted over the cylinder 136 and tapers to a relatively thinwidth at the end distal therefrom. The distal end of the finger isformed with a concave indentation 140 that conforms to the outercurvature of the adjacent front fork assembly stem 12. The finger 134 isfurther formed with an opening 142 in which the cylinder 136 is securedby an adhesive.

The cylinder 136 is formed with an axially extending bore 144 in whichthe pin 138 is disposed. The bore 144 is dimensioned so that a coilspring 146 can be disposed therein between the pin 138. One end of thecylinder 136 is provided with an inwardly directed annular step 148 thatis dimensioned to abut the pin 138. Epoxy or other suitable adhesivesmay be used to secure the cylinder 136 to the pin 138 around the insideof the step 148. A stop ring 150 is secured to the pin 138 adjacent theend of the cylinder 136 that does not include the step 148. A washer 152is disposed in the cylinder bore 144 between the end of the spring 146and the stop ring 150, such that the spring and the washer normally biasthe stop ring away from the finger 134 and the cylinder 136.

The section of the pin 138 adjacent the cylinder step 148 is providedwith a head 154 adjacent the outer surface of the proximate lowerlinkage member flange 128. Attached to the pin head 154 and designed torotate therewith is a star washer 156 with a set of circumferentiallyspaced apart projections 158. The star washer projections 158 aredimensioned to be seated in complementary indentations 159 formed in theouter surface of the lower linkage member flange 128. (Only twoprojections and complementary indentations are shown.) The action of thespring 146 against the star washer 156 normally urges the star washerprojections 158 into the indentations so that the finger is secured inone fixed position.

When a cyclist asserts downward force on handlebars 24 of the assembly110 of this invention the upper and lower linkage members 112 and 114,respectively, will pivot downward in a manner similar to the linkageassemblies of the previous described embodiments of the invention. Theleaf spring 120 which abuts the outer surface of the lower linkagemember base plate 126, resists the downward movement of the linkagemembers so as to both slow the downward movement and serve as a sink forthe downward force exerted against the assembly 110. As the assembly 110is urged downward, the lug assembly 124 is rotated away from the bicyclefront fork stem such that the finger 134 is spaced away from the stem.When the cyclist stops exerting a downward force against the assembly110, the action of the leaf spring 120 against the lower linkage member114 pivots the assembly upwards. The upward movement of the assembly 70is stopped by the action of the lug assembly finger 134 abutting theadjacent outer surface of the front fork stem 12.

The static position of the handlebar assembly 110 can be adjusted bychanging the relative setting of the lug assembly finger 134 against thefront fork stem. The lug assembly finger 134 setting is changed bypulling out on the lug assembly pin head 154 so that the star washer 156is spaced away from the adjacent lower linkage member flangeindentations 159. The lug assembly pin 138 is then rotated so that thefinger 134 is directed downwards. Using hand pressure the cyclist thenpositions the assembly 110 so that the handlebars 24 are in the desiredstatic position. After the static position of the handlebar 24 is set,the pin 138 is rotated upwards until the indentation 140 and the distalend of the finger 134 abuts the front fork stem. The pin head 154 isthen released so that the spring 146 urges the star washer projections158 into the low linkage member flange indentations 159. As illustratedby the solid and phantom illustrations of the assembly in FIG. 7, thisallows the cyclist to adjust relative height of the handlebars 24 with aminimal amount of effort.

Another embodiment of a handlebar assembly 160 of this invention isillustrated in FIG. 8. The assembly 160 includes an upper linkage memberand a lower linkage member 162 and 164, respectively, that are pivotallymounted at their tail ends to a mounting block 166 attached to the headof the front fork assembly. A handlebar clamp 168 securing handlebars 24is adjustably attached to the upper and lower linkage members 162 and164, respectively, by a pair of telescoping slides 170 that are securedto the linkage members. A set of four elastomeric plugs 172 are disposedbetween the upper and lower linkage members 162 and 164, respectively. Athreaded rod 174 extends between the upper linkage member 162 and thelower linkage member 164. The free end of the rod 174 adjacent the lowerlinkage member is provided with an adjustably positionable catch 176 tolimit the upward movement of the assembly 160.

The upper linkage member 162 is formed with a rectangular base plate 178and a pair of side walls 180 that extend perpendicularly along thelateral edges of the base plate 178. Integral with and set below thefront end of the upper linkage base plate 178 is a slide plate 182. Theupper linkage member side walls 180 extend forward of the base plate 178around and above the lateral edges of the side plate 182. The lowerlinkage member 164 is formed with a lower linkage member base plate 184and a pair of lower linkage member side walls 186 that extend laterallyalong the sides of the base plate. Integral with the lower linkagemember base plate 184 and stepped above the base plate is a lowerlinkage member slide plate 188. The lower linkage member side walls 186extend perpendicularly downward from the lateral edges of the lowerlinkage member slide plate 188. The upper and lower linkage member sidewalls 180 and 186, respectively, extend rearward from the associatedbase plates 178 and 184, respectively, so as to function as upper andlower mounting arms 190 and 192, respectively. The mounting arms 190 and192 are pivotally attached to the mounting block 166 using thepreviously described pivot pins.

The slides 170 are disposed against the slide plates such that one slideis positioned on top of the upper linkage member slide plate 182 and thesecond slide is positioned immediately below the lower linkage memberslide plate 188. Slides 170 are generally elongated bodies withsemicircular end sections and are formed with a number of openings 191such that in combination with fastening elements 193 and openings 194formed in the front ends of the linkage member side walls 180 and 186they can be selectively secured to the linkage members in eitherretracted, partially extended, or fully extended states. With the frontends of each slide 170 are a pair of spaced-apart mounting tabs 196. Themounting tabs 196 are formed with openings 198 to facilitate pivotalconnection of the pillars 200 on the handlebar clamp 168 to the slidesby conventional means previously described.

The elastomeric plugs 172 comprise cylindrical plugs of elastomericmaterial such as rubber or polyurethane, are approximately 0.5 to 0.75inches in diameter and approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length. Theends of the plugs 172 may be seated in indentations formed in the upperand lower linkage member base plates, 178 and 184 respectively,indentations not shown. In the depicted embodiment of the invention therod 174 is welded or otherwise secured to the upper linkage member baseplate 178 between the elastomeric plugs 172 and has a threaded outersurface 204. The rod 174 extends through an opening 206 formed in thelower linkage member base plate 184 between the elastomeric plugs 172.The catch 176 is in the form of a complementary nut that is secured overthe free end of the rod 174 adjacent to the outer surface of the lowerlinkage member base plate 184. One or more washers 208 formed ofelastomeric material are disposed over the rod between the outer surfaceof the lower linkage member base plate 184 and the catch 176.

When a downward force is imposed on handlebar assembly 160 the upper andlower linkage members 162 and 164, respectively, pivot downwardly andare urged together. This movement causes the elastomeric plugs 172 to becompressed between the upper and lower linkage member base plates 178and 184, respectively. Upon release of the downward force, theelastomeric qualities of the plugs 172 cause them to expand so as tourge the linkage members 162 and 164 apart so as to force the assembly160 upwards. The upward motion of the assembly 160 is stopped by theaction of the elastomeric washers 208 abutting against the outer surfaceof the lower linkage member base plate 178. The elastomeric qualities ofthe washers 208 serve to dampen the actual sensation of movement of theassembly 160.

This assembly 160, as the other assembly, serves to dampen and reducethe mechanical shock to which the cyclist would otherwise be exposed.Moreover, the slides 170 serve to allow the cyclist to adjust theposition of the handlebars 24 relative to the front fork stem.

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict another handlebar assembly 220 of this inventionthat includes a speedometer processing unit 222 integral therewith.According to this embodiment of the invention, an upper linkage member224 includes a base plate 226 against which an elastomeric block 26 isdisposed. The upper linkage member further includes a top plate 228 thatis integrally connected to the base plate 226 by a pair of side walls230 that extend therebetween. The top plate 228 is formed with a recess231 in which the speedometer processing unit 222 is disposed. Foampadding 233 is provided on the surfaces of the top cover that define therecess 231 so as to cushion the speedometer unit 222. A cover 234 isprovided over the top plate recess 231 for securing the speedometerprocessing unit 222 therein. The undersurface of the cover 234 is alsoprovided with foam padding 233 to further cushion the speedometerprocessing unit 222.

The cover 234 is formed with a first elongate rectangular opening 225through which a display of the speedometer processing unit 222 can beviewed and a set of smaller square openings 232 for actuating the keysof the speedometer processing unit 222. A small opening 236 is formed inone side of the upper linkage member side walls 230 so that a cable, notillustrated, can be connected between the speedometer sensor on thefront wheel to the processing unit 222. The cover 234 is secured to theupper linkage member top base plate 226 by non-standard fasteners 240,for example, hex nuts.

An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that in addition toproviding a means for dampening and absorbing mechanical shock to whichthe cyclist would otherwise be exposed, it provides a means for securinga speedometer processing unit 222 to a bicycle that is streamlined sothat it appears built-in, aesthetically pleasing, and is relativelysecure from theft.

Another handlebar assembly 250 of this invention is depicted by FIGS.10-12. Handlebar assembly 250 includes an upper linkage member 252 and alower linkage member 254 which are both pivotally connected at one endof a mounting block 256 attached to the head of the front fork stem 12.The opposite ends of the linkage members 252 and 254 are attached to ahandlebar clamp 258. A coil spring 260 extends between the tail end ofthe lower linkage member 254 and a stop assembly 262 mounted to thefront end of the upper linkage member 252.

Upper linkage member 252 is in the form of a hollow metal tube that isshaped to have a generally oval cross-sectional profile. A tubularsleeve 264 is attached to each end of the upper linkage member 252 so asto extend laterally across the linkage member. Lower linkage member 254is formed from a channel-shaped piece of metal having two parallel sidewalls 266 that extend perpendicularly outwards away from a base section267. The lower linkage member 254 is oriented so that the exposed edgesof the side walls 266 are adjacent the upper linkage member 252. Theopposed sides of the lower linkage member define a spring space 268 inwhich the spring 260 and stop assembly 262 are disposed. A pair oftubular sleeves 270 extend between the side walls adjacent the forwardand rear edges of linkage base section 267. Sleeves 264 and 270 definepassageways, not identified, that extend laterally through the ends ofthe linkage members 252 and 254, respectively, so as to facilitate theinsertion of hardware for attaching the members to the other componentsof the assembly 250.

Mounting block 256 is formed with a cylindrical bore 272 to facilitatesecuring the mounting block to the head of the front fork stem 12.Fastening elements, not shown, may be used to secure the mounting block256 in place. A pair of flanges 274 extend forward from the rear half ofthe mounting block 256. The flanges 274 extend tangentially away fromsymmetrically opposed points located on either side of the longitudinalcenter line of the mounting block 256. The flanges 274 are each bent sothat the outermost sections thereof form a pair of parallel,spaced-apart tabs 276.

Linkage member 252 is pivotally secured to the mounting block tabs 276by a fastening assembly 278 as depicted in FIG. 13a. Fastening assembly278 includes a pair of flanged bushings 279 formed of Teflon(tetrafluorethylene plastic), bronze or other suitable low frictionmaterial that extend through openings formed in the tabs 276 andpartially into the passageway defined by the adjacent upper linkagemember sleeve 264. Washers 284, formed of Teflon or other low friction,non-corrosive material, are disposed around each bushing 279 between theadjacent surfaces of the tabs 276 and the sleeves 264. The bushings 279are held in place by a bolt 286-and-nut 287 assembly, wherein the boltextends through openings, not identified, formed in the bushings, andthe nut is seated in one of the bushings. A clamp up spacer 277 isdisposed around the bolt 286 between the bushings 279 to prevent bolt286 from being compressed to the point where the bushings 279 arecompressed.

Bushings 279 are formed with a cut 280 and the bushings are seated in acomplementary D-shaped counterbores 275 so as to prevent the bushingsfrom rotating. It is anticipated that inside walls of bushings 279 willbe formed to conform with the outside walls of nuts 287 so as to preventthe nuts from rotating. In some preferred embodiments of the invention,nuts 287 will have rounded heads adapted to receive an Allen wrench.Bolts 286 are of a length so that their heads will be located inside theassociated bushings 279 when the fastening assemblies 278 are puttogether.

Lower linkage member 254 is pivotally secured to the mounting block tabs276 by a pivot pin 292 as depicted in FIG. 13b. Pivot pin 292 is atube-shaped pin which extends through concentric openings formed in thetabs 276 and through the passageway defined by the adjacent lowerlinkage member sleeve 270. Washers 293 are disposed over the exposedends of the pivot pins 292. In some preferred embodiments of theinvention, the ends of the pivot pin 292 used to secure the lowerlinkage member 254 to mounting block 256 are bent over onto the mountingblock tabs 276 so as to permanently secure the pin in place. The pivotpin 292 used to secure lower linkage member 254 to handlebar clamp 258is releaseably secured in place by a flat, C-shaped retaining ring 291,as described hereinafter.

Handlebar clamp 258, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, has a main body 294 inthe shape of elongated split O-ring similar to the main body 40 of thefirst described handlebar clamp 22 (FIG. 2). A pair of parallel,spaced-apart tabs 296 formed integrally with the main body 294 extendtowards the mounting block 256. Upper linkage member 252 is pivotallyattached to the handlebar clamp 258 by a fastening assembly 278. Thebushings 279 and bolt 286 of the assembly extend through openings, notidentified, in the tabs 296 and into the passageway of the upper linkagemember sleeve 264. Lower linkage member 254 is secured to the handlebarclamp 258 by a pivot pin 292. Pivot pin 292 extends through concentricopenings formed in the tabs 296 and through the passageway in thelinkage member sleeve 270. Pivot pin 292 is releasably secured to thehandlebar clamp 258 by retaining ring 291 which is disposed against theadjacent tab 296. Pivot pin 292 may be formed with a groove 289 so as tofacilitate the interconnection of retaining ring 291.

One end of the spring 260 is held in place by a pivoting spring seat 298that is disposed against the lower linkage member sleeve 270 adjacentthe mounting block 256. Spring seat 298 is formed from a single piece ofnylon or other low friction material. The spring seat has a base 300from which three parallel ribs 302 extend. Ribs 302 are formed withexposed faces 304 distal from the base 300 that has a concave profile.The profile of the rib faces 302 conforms to the outer curvature of theadjacent sleeve 270 so that the spring seat 298 can be fitted againstthe sleeve. A round protrusion 299 extends above the spring seat base300. The diameters of the spring seat base 300 and protrusion 299 areselected so that the spring 260 can be fitted over the protrusion andrest against the base.

The opposed end of the spring 260 is disposed against the stop assembly262. The stop assembly consists of a three-sided bracket 308 thatextends down from the upper linkage member 252 adjacent the handlebarclamp 258. Bracket 308 is positioned so that the sides thereof areparallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper linkage member 252 andthe center section thereof extends across the linkage member. It will beunderstood that while bracket 308 is shown in fixed relation to upperlinkage members 252, bracket 308 may also be formed so as to beadjustable longitudinally. The movement of bracket 308 toward the frontfork stem 12 will allow the handlebars to be raised upwardly in theirstatic position. The center section of bracket 308 is provided with anopening over which a threaded ring 312 is secured. A set screw 314 isdisposed in the opening and is adjustably held in place by the threadedring 312. Set screw 314 has a rounded tip against which a metal springseat 316 is disposed. Spring seat 316 has a circular base 317 formedwith a concave indentation 318, shown in phantom, so that the seat canbe disposed over the tip of the set screw 314. A cylindrical boss 320extends above the opposed side of the spring seat base 317. Spring seatbase 317 and boss 320 are dimensioned so that spring 260 extends overthe boss and rests against the base. Both spring seats 298 and 316 areheld in place by the outward expansion of the opposed ends of spring260.

The sides of bracket 308 slope downwards towards the adjacent end of theupper linkage member 252. The sides of the bracket 308 are furtherformed with concave indentations 322 so as to keep the bracket spacedfrom the adjacent lower linkage member sleeve 270. A pad 324 formed ofrubber or other compressible elastomeric material is fitted over setscrew 314 between the sides of the bracket 308. The opening in the pad324 through which the set screw 314 passes is dimensioned so as to havea relative tight fit around the screw. The pad 324 normally abuts theadjacent lower linkage member sleeve 270.

The handlebar assembly 250 of this embodiment of the invention isarranged so that a spring 260 normally exerts a biasing, or preload,force against both the spring seat 298 disposed against the lowerlinkage member sleeve 270, and against the spring seat 316 that isdisposed against the stop assembly 262. Set screw 314 allows the overallstatic bias, the static state spring expansion, to be adjusted for thepreference of the cyclist. When a cyclist is exposed to a jolt or bumpand pushes downwards on the handlebars 24, linkage members 252 and 254pivot downwards. A fraction of the energy imparted to the handlebars bythe cyclist is absorbed by the downward movement of the assembly 250.During this downward movement, the stop assembly 262 moves towards theopposed spring seat 298, which, along with the spring 260 is pivotingdownward with the rest of the assembly so as to further compress thespring 260. Upon release of the downward force by the cyclist, thespring 260 is able to expand so as to urge the assembly 250 upwards. Theupward movement of the assembly 250 is stopped by the abutment of thestop pad 324 against the lower linkage member sleeve 270.

Spring 260 of this assembly 250 of the invention extends horizontallyalong a significant portion of the length of the lower linkage member254. Consequently, the spring has a relatively long length over which itcan be compressed, as opposed to springs that are merely disposedbetween the upper and lower linkage members. As a result, the spring canbe significantly more flexible than those that would otherwise extendgenerally vertically between the linkage members. This enhances theassembly's 250 ability to attenuate the road shock, which wouldotherwise be transferred to the cyclist. Moreover, spring 260 extendsbetween two easily accessible points in the assembly 250, between thelower pivot point of the mounting block 256 and the stop assembly 262.As a result, the spring can readily be inserted in place during themanufacture or maintenance of the assembly 250.

Stop assembly pad 324 provides a cushioned stop to the upward movementof the assembly 250. Moreover, the static angle of the assembly can bereadily modified by simply changing the thickness of the pad 324 as usedwith the assembly; relatively thick pads can be coupled to the assemblywhen it is desired to have a relatively small angle between the assemblyand the horizontal, and relatively thin pads can be used when it isdesired to increase that angle. Furthermore, the stop pad serves to lockthe set screw 314 in place. This prevents the high frequency vibrationsthat are invariably imparted to the assembly 250 from working the setscrew 314 free from the position to which it has been preset.

Still another advantage of this assembly is that the spring ispositioned so as to minimize sliding friction. This enhances the overallflexibility of the assembly so as to further reduce the mechanical shockto which the cyclist would otherwise be exposed. Also, the interfacebetween the stop assembly 262 and the adjacent lower linkage membersleeve 270 is located between the side walls 266 of the lower linkagemember. The lower linkage member 254 thus serves to cover up a pinchpoint in which either an article of the cyclist's clothing or part ofthe cyclist's body could otherwise become caught.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate an alternative assembly 330 of this inventionspecially adapted for use with a touring bicycle. Assembly 330 includesan upper linkage member 332 and a lower linkage member 334, both ofwhich have generally rectangular cross-sectional profiles. Linkagemembers 332 and 334 are attached to a mounting block 336 fitted over thehead of the front fork stem 12. The ends of the linkage members 332 and334 distal from the mounting block 336 are attached to handlebar clamp338 to which the handlebars 24 are attached. A spring 340 extendsdiagonally between the linkage members 332 and 334.

Mounting block 336 is in the form of a cap provided with an opening 335for receiving a conventional expander bolt, not illustrated, forsecuring the block to the front fork stem 12. Alternatively, adhesivesmay be used either with or without conventional fastening elements tosecure the mounting block 336 to the threaded front fork stem. A pair ofrounded ribs 341 extend laterally across the front of the mounting block336 and are formed with bores 342 designed to receive hardware forattaching the linkage members 332 and 334 thereto. Handlebar clamp 338is in the form of a one-piece structure that has a main body 346 similarto that in the previously described handlebar clamp 22 (FIG. 2). Afirst, upper pillar 348 and a second, lower pillar 350 are both formedintegrally with a clamp main body 346. Both pillars 348 and 350 areformed with bores 351 designed to accept hardware for pivotally mountingthe linkage members 332 and 334 thereto. In the illustrated embodimentof the invention, the lower pillar 350 is shaped so that the bore 351associated therewith is located further away from the center of theclamp main body 346 than the bore 351 of upper pillar 348. In otherembodiments of the invention, handlebar clamp 338 may be formed so thatpillars 348 and 350 have different positions relative to the axis of themain body 346 so as to allow for different positioning of the handlebars24.

Upper linkage member 332 is formed out of a single piece of metal thatis shaped to have a top plate 354 and a pair of side plates 356extending downwards from the top plate 354. In one preferred embodimentof the invention, upper linkage member 332 is a tapered profile suchthat it is narrow in the center and relatively wide on the ends that areattached to mounting block 336 and handlebar clamp 338. A set of threestiffening ribs 358 extend laterally across the inside of upper linkagemember 332 between the side plates 356 adjacent mounting block 336.Stiffening rib 358 located closest to mounting block 332 is the longestof the three ribs. Stiffening rib 358 located furthest from the mountingblock is the shortest of the three ribs, and the rib locatedtherebetween is of intermediate height. The decreasing height of theribs 358 insures that the spring 340, when compressed, will not contactor otherwise abut the ribs. Upper linkage member 332 is further formedto include a threaded bore 360 located adjacent the point the member isattached to the handlebar clamp 338. Threaded bore 360 is orienteddownward such that it is directed towards the point where the lowerlinkage member 334 is pivotally attached to the mounting block 336.Upper linkage member 332 further includes a tab 359 that extendsdownward from the portion of the member that defines the rearwardsection of the bore 360. The upper linkage member 332 is positioned sothat at one end the member side plates 356 are fitted over the uppermounting block rib 341 and at the opposed end over the upper handlebarclamp pillar 348.

Lower linkage member 334 is formed out of a single piece of metal andincludes a base plate 361 to which two side plates 362 are attachedalong the longitudinal edges thereof. Base plate 361 includes a firstsection 364 located adjacent to the mounting block 336 which extendsacross the lower edges of the side plates 362 and a second section 366that extends diagonally upwards from the first section in the generaldirection of the handlebar clamp upper pillar 348. The base plate secondsection 366 terminates at the top edge of the side plates 362 and meetswith a front plate 368. Front plate 368 is a generally L-shaped memberwhich includes a tab 370 that extends above the linkage member sideplates. The portion of the front plate 368 that extends below the tab370 curves forward such that the lower portion of the plate extendsacross the opposed lower edges of the side plates. Lower linkage member334 is further formed with three stiffening ribs 372 which extend acrossthe side plates 362 between the base plate second section 366 and thelower edges of the side plates. The lower linkage member is positionedso that at one end the side plates 362 are fitted over the lower of themounting block ribs 341 and at the other end over the lower handlebarclamp pillar 350.

Linkage members 332 and 334 are pivotally connected to the mountingblock 336 and the handlebar clamp 338 by fastening assemblies 376, oneshown in detail in FIG. 16. Each fastening assembly 376 includes atubular sleeve 378 that is fitted into either a bore 342 or 351, ofeither the mounting block 336 or the handlebar clamp 338. The sleeve 378also extends through a pair of concentric openings 380, one openingshown, formed in the linkage member side plate 356 or 362 with which thesleeve is associated. FIG. 17 depicts how upper linkage member 332 isconnected to handlebar clamp upper pillar 348. Bushings 382, formed ofTeflon, bronze, or other low friction material, are disposed over theopposed ends of the sleeve 378 between the sleeve and the adjacentsections of the linkage member side plates 356 or 362 that define theopenings 380. Each bushing 382 is formed with an annular flange 384. Thebushings 382 are arranged so that the flanges 384 are disposed betweenthe mounting block ribs 341 or the handlebar clamp pillars 348 or 350,and the adjacent linkage member side plates 356 or 362. A button headscrew 386 is fitted over the exposed ends of each sleeve 378. A washer388 formed of Teflon, Nylon, or other low friction material, is fittedover the head of each screw 386 such that the washer is located betweenthe screw and the adjacent linkage member side plate 356 or 362.

A spring seat 392, substantially identical to the previously describedlow friction spring seat 298 (FIG. 10), is used to mate one end ofspring 340 with the sleeve 378 used to interconnect lower linkage member334 to mounting block 336. The opposite end of spring 340 is fitted overa metallic spring seat 394 substantially identical to the spring seat316 of the previous described embodiment of the invention. Spring seat394 is held in place by a set screw 395 secured in threaded bore 360. Acap 397, having the shape of an elongated U and formed of compressibleelastomeric material, is fitted over the tab 370 that extends upwardsfrom lower linkage member 334.

When the assembly 330 of this embodiment of the invention is installedon a bicycle, the preload compression of the spring 340 maintains theassembly and handlebars 24 in its normal, upright, static position. Bothspring seats 392 and 394 are also held in place by the normal, static,expansion of the spring 340. When the cyclist exerts a downward force onthe handlebars 24, the linkage members 332 and 334 pivot the assemblyand handlebars downwards. Downward movement of the assembly 330 urgesthe adjacent metallic spring seat towards the static spring seat so asto further compress the spring 340. Upon release of the downward forceby the cyclist, the spring 340 returns the assembly to the intialposition. The upward movement of the assembly is stopped by the actionof the upper linkage member tab 359 abutting against the cap attachedover the lower linkage member tab 370.

The stiffening ribs of this embodiment of the invention provide lateralstrengthening of the linkage members 332 and 334. Consequently, thisassembly is well-suited to withstand lateral stress that a cyclist mayimpose on the assembly due to uneven stresses that a cyclist imposes onthe handlebars 24 during riding. The stop or static angle of assembly330 of this embodiment of the invention can be adjusted by fitting caps397 having different overall widths over tab 370. Caps 397 having withrelatively wide walls can be installed in the assembly 330 so that thelinkage members 332 and 334 are positioned relatively horizontally; capswith a relatively thinner walls can be fitted over the tab when it isdesirable to set the assembly so that the linkage members and thehandlebars 24 are located in a more upwardly-oriented position.Moreover, lower linkage member tab 370 extends into the space betweenthe upper linkage member side plates 356 before striking thecomplementary upper linkage member tab 359. Thus the stop mechanism ofthis embodiment does not create an exposed pinch point.

Still another feature of this embodiment of the invention is that thelinkage members 332 and 334 can be molded out of aluminum or other lightweight material. This serves to reduce the overall weight of theassembly 330. Moreover, the linkage members can be formed intoaesthetically pleasing shapes by the molding process.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate another embodiment of a handlebar assembly 400 ofthis invention. Assembly 400 includes an upper linkage member 402, apair of spaced-apart, parallel lower linkage members 404, a mountingblock 406 and a handlebar clamp 408. A spring 410 is disposed betweenthe lower linkage members 404. Spring 410 extends between a down-stop412 pivotally mounted to the mounting block 406, and an up-stop assembly414 formed integrally with the upper linkage member 402 which extendsbetween the lower linkage members 404.

Mounting block 406 consists of a tubular female adapter 416 dimensionedto be secured over the head of the bicycle front stem 12. A pair ofparallel, spaced-apart mounting flanges 418 extend outwards from thefemale adapter 416. Handlebar clamp 408 includes a main body 420substantially identical to the main body 40 of the first describedhandlebar clamp 22 (FIG. 2). A pair of parallel, spaced-apart flanges422 extend rearwards from the opposed ends of the handlebar clamp mainbody 420. Both the mounting block flanges 418 and the handlebar clampflanges 422 are formed with openings, not identified, to facilitate thecoupling of hardware for mounting the linkage members 402 and 404thereto.

Upper linkage member 402 is a cylindrical aluminum tube that in theillustrated embodiment of the invention has an oval cross-sectionalprofile. Cylindrical mounting sleeves 424 are attached to each end ofupper linkage member 402 such that the sleeves extend transversely, orlaterally, across the opposed ends of the member. The lower linkagemembers 404 consist of solid aluminum bars that extend between mountingblock 406 and the handlebar clamp 408. In the depicted embodiment of theinvention, the lower linkage members 404 are each formed with a groove428 along the outer surface thereof. The grooves 428 serve to reduce theoverall weight of the lower linkage members 404 and of the assembly 400.The ends of the lower linkage members 404 are formed with openings 405to facilitate the insertion of mounting hardware. Assembly 400 isarranged so that both the upper linkage member 402 and the lower linkagemembers 404 are mounted between the mounting block flanges 418 and thehandlebar clamp flanges 422.

FIG. 18a depicts in detail one of the fastening assemblies 429 used tosecure the linkage members 402 and 404 to the mounting block 406 and thehandlebar clamp 408. FIG. 18a specifically depicts how a fasteningassembly 429 is used to secure the upper linkage member 402 to themounting block 406. Fastening assembly 429 includes a bolt 430 thatextends through the openings formed in the mounting block flanges 418and the upper linkage member sleeve 424. An internal bushing 431 iswelded, soldered, or otherwise permanently secured to each end of theupper linkage member sleeve 424. Each bushing 431 has a flange 431a thatis disposed around the outside of the sleeve 424, a female taperedsection 431b that extends into the sleeve and a tubular section 431cthat is located inside of the sleeve. The sleeve 424 is formed with acounterbore, not identified, to facilitate the mating of the bushings431 thereto. In some preferred embodiments of the invention bushings 431are formed of steel.

First and second external bushings, 435 and 436 respectively, are fittedover the opposed mounting block flange 418 openings and extend into thesleeve 424. First external bushing 435 has a flange 435a that isdisposed against the mounting block flange 418, a first inwardly taperedsection 435b that extends into the flange opening, a tubular section435c that extends to the inside surface of the flange, and a secondinwardly tapered section 435d that extends into the sleeve 424. Secondexternal bushing 436 has a flange 436a that is disposed against themounting block flange 418, an intermediate tubular section 436b thatextends through the flange; and an inwardly tapered section 436c thatextends into the sleeve 424. The inside of the second external bushingis further provided with threading, not identified, to facilitatesecuring the bolt 430 thereto. External bushings 435 and 436 are formedof bronze, brass, or other material that has a low coefficient offriction. External bushings 435 and 436 are formed so that outersurfaces of the first external bushing second tapered section 435d andof the second external bushing tapered section 436c are identical indimension to the inner surfaces of the adjacent internal bushing taperedsections 431b.

When this embodiment of the invention is assembled, the bolt 430 ispassed through the bushings 431, 435, and 436 and is secured by thecomplementary threading of the second external bushing 436. The head ofthe bolt 430 is disposed in the space defined by the first externalbushing first tapered section 435b. As the bolt 430 is tightened,mounting block flanges 418 are urged towards the upper linkage membersleeve 424 so that the first bushing second tapered section 435d and thesecond external bushing tapered section 436c are urged into contact withthe adjacent internal bushing tapered sections 431c. The fasteningassembly 429 thus functions as an adjustable dampening mechanism thatuses the friction that is developing along the internal bushing-externalbushing interfaces to slow the pivoting movement of the linkage member402.

The spring down-stop 412, as depicted in FIG. 19, is a single-piece unitformed of nylon or other low friction material that extends around thepivot pin 430, and is used to mate the lower linkage members 404 to themounting block 406. The down-stop 412 has a generally tube shaped body433 which is disposed about the fastening assembly 429 and that servesto keep the linkage members 404 spaced apart. A protrusion 440 defines agenerally circular surface and extends outwards from one section of thebody 433. A small cylindrical boss 442 extends outwards from the centerof the protrusion 440. The diameters of the protrusion 440 and the boss442 are selected so that the spring 410 can be fitted over the boss andrest against the outer surface of the protrusion.

The spring up-stop assembly 414 consists of a mounting bracket 446welded or otherwise permanently secured to the undersurface of the upperlinkage member 402 adjacent to handlebar clamp 408. Bracket 446 includesa solid finger 448 which extends perpendicularly downwards from theupper linkage member 402. Finger 448 is formed with a threaded bore 452adapted to receive a set screw 454. Spring 410 abuts against a metallicspring stop 456 that is held in place by the set screw 454 adjacent thefinger 448. Spring stop 456 is formed out of a single piece of metal andhas a shape which approximates a slice through a cone. The tip or narrowend of the spring stop 456 is formed with a recess 457 such that the endcan be fitted over the tip of the set screw 454. A cylindrical boss 460extends outwards from center of the opposite surface of the spring stop456. Spring stop 456 and boss 460 are dimensioned so that spring 410extends around the boss and rests against the adjacent surface of thestop.

An elastomeric plug 451 is disposed inside the coil spring 410 betweenthe down-stop 412 and the spring stop 456. The plug 451, which floats inposition, serves as a cushioning member to prevent the over compressionof the spring 410 in the event the linkage members 402 and 404 areforced excessively downwards.

Bracket 446 further includes an extended section 462 which extendsgenerally perpendicularly from the finger 448 towards the handlebarclamp 408. The bracket 446 is shaped so that extended section 462defines an outer surface that has a slope which tapers towards the endof the upper linkage member 402. In other words, the extension section462 is relatively wide adjacent the finger 448, but narrower adjacentthe end of the upper linkage member 402. The end of the extended section462 adjacent the end of the linkage member 402 is formed with a cutout458 in which a plastic button 459 is secured. The button 459 has a slopeidentical to that of the bracket extended section 462. A sleeve 464 isfitted over the fastening assembly 429 that couples the lower linkagemembers 404 to the handlebar clamp 408. The sleeve 464 abuts against thesurface of the bracket extended section 462 so as to stop the upwardmovement of the assembly 400. The sleeve 464 also serves to keep thelower linkage members 404 spaced apart.

When a downward force is exerted on the handlebar assembly 400 of thisembodiment of the invention, linkage members 402 and 404 are pivoteddownwards. The up-stop assembly 414 is pivoted towards the down-stopassembly 412 so as to compress the spring 410 therebetween. Upon releaseof the downward force, spring 410 is able to expand so as to move thelinkage members 402 and 404 and handlebar 24 upwards. Upward movement ofthe assembly 400 is stopped by the action of the pivot pin 426 abuttingthe sloping surface of the mounting bracket extended section 462. Anadvantage of this assembly is that the flexibility of the linkagemembers 402 and 404 can be set by adjacent the fastening assemblies 429.The static angle of assembly 400 could be readily changed by simplyfitting sleeves 464 of different outer diameters over the pivot pin 426.A large diameter sleeve 464 can be installed when the cyclist desiresonly minimal up-angle for the assembly 400 and handlebars; when a largerup-angle is desired, a sleeve having a smaller outside diameter can beinstalled. The relative soft surface of the button 429 serves to dampenthe actually stopping movement of the assembly 400 when the sleeve 464strikes the bracket extended section 462.

In still other versions of the handlebar assembly of this invention, itmay be desirable to provide the assembly with two or more dampeningmembers, each designed to withstand a particular form of mechanicalshock. For example, FIG. 21 depicts an alternative version of theassembly 250, wherein instead of a single spring 260 (FIG. 10), twoseries connected coil springs 470 and 472 extend between the opposedspring seats 298 and 316. Springs 470 and 472 are held together by a setof clamps 474 and are wrapped around the portions of the springs thatinterface. In this embodiment of the invention, spring 470, the springadjacent the mounting block 256, is a relatively stiff spring. Spring472, the spring adjacent handlebar clamp 258, is significantly moreflexible. An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is thatspring 472, the more flexible spring, has more give so as to be able toabsorb the continuous white noise, road noise, the small vibrations,that the cyclist is continually exposed to. Spring 470 will flex, orgive, so as to absorb the lower frequency higher amplitude vibrationsthat the cyclist is exposed to when passing over bumps or othersignificant road flaws. It should, be understood that the depictedclamps 474 are merely one means for mating the two springs 470 and 472together; other coupling assembly may, of course, be employed toaccomplish the same task. for example, it may be desirable to mate thesprings 470 and 472 to a double headed spring seat, not illustrated.

The same advantage can be obtained by fitting an elastomeric plug 478 inthe spring 260 between the spring seats 298 and 316 as depicted in FIG.22. In this embodiment of the invention, it is anticipated that thespring will be selected so that it is suited for absorbing highfrequency vibrations while the elastomeric plug will serve to dampenthose of low frequency. It is understood that in alternative versions ofthis embodiment of the invention, the particular vibrations which eachdampening members are intended to absorb can be reversed. Still otherversions of the invention may employ two spaced apart elastomeric plugsthat come together when the handlebar assembly of this invention isurged downwards. Moreover, in still other embodiments of the invention,it may be desirable to use the spring 250 in combination with anotherdampening member such as a piston 482 or other fluid base dampeningdevice as depicted in FIG. 23. Again, it is anticipated that in mostconstructions of this invention, the spring will serve to dampen thehigher frequency vibrations while the piston 482 will dampen those oflow frequency. When either the elastomeric plug 478 or piston 482 areinstalled in the assembly of this invention, it is anticipated that theywill be compression-fitted into place. Alternatively, the elastomericplug 478 may be secured in place by adhesives, and the piston 482 may besecured in place by threaded fasteners and the like. Moreover, thesecomponents may be disposed in other locations than along the center axisof the spring 260.

The foregoing description is for the purposes of illustration only.Alternative embodiments of this invention are possible without departingfrom the scope of the claims. For example, depiction of the multipleopenings 94 at the tail end of the linkage members in the embodiment ofFIG. 4, and the use of the slides 170 in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, are merely meant to be exemplary of how the adjustable handlebarassembly of this invention can be provided. Clearly these features ofthe invention can be used with the other embodiments of the invention,and can be used together. Moreover, while the application discloses theuse of elastomeric material and leaf springs to dampen the downwardmovement of the linkage members; these disclosures should in no means beconsidered limiting. For example, there may be instances where it isdesirable to place one or more coil springs between the upper and lowerlinkage members so as to dampen both the downward and upward movement ofthe assembly.

It should further be understood that the various fastening assemblies278 and 376 and pivot pins 292 used to secure the linkage members to themounting blocks and/or handlebar clamps can be used with otherassemblies other than the ones with which they were described in thisspecification. Moreover, fastening assemblies 278 and 376 of thisinvention provide lightweight couplings, that are formed from a minimalamount of parts that can readily be assembled and disassembled, and arenot unduly effected by normal environmental exposure. Thus, there may beinstances when it is desirable to use these assemblies 278 and 376 withother than the disclosed handlebar assemblies.

Some embodiments of the invention may include a spring unit locatedwithin the bicycle front fork assembly dampening the downward movementof the handlebar assembly. These assemblies may take the form of a setof bell-shaped washers that are connected to the upper linkage member bya cable. The downward movement of the assembly would serve to compressthe springs so that the springs contribute to the dampening of themovement and the absorption of the downward force. Upon release of thedownward force, the springs would return to their original state so asto cause the upper and lower linkage members to likewise return to theirstatic state. These washers could further be provided with a set ofbell-shaped washers, which are oriented upwards so that when the linkagemembers are urged downward the curved washers offer minimal resistance,and when the springs start to return the linkage member to the staticstate, the washers offer substantially more resistance so as to dampenthe upward movement. Also, it should be noted that in FIGS. 1-3, thelower linkage member 20 is shown as being pivotally connected to themounting block 16 in front of the front fork assembly stem 12; in theother embodiments of the invention the lower linkage members are shownpivotally connected behind the stem. Neither of these depictions areintended as limiting. In fact, in other embodiments of the invention itmay desirable to attach the upper linkage member to the bicycle so thatit is located forward of the front fork assembly stem 12. Moreover,other assemblies than those disclosed in FIGS. 9a and 9b may be used toattach the speedometer processing unit to the handlebar assembly of thisinvention. For instance, it may be desirable to arrange the fastenersthat are used to secure the cover of the speedometer processing unit 222so that they can only be accessed from the underside of the upperlinkage member. This would make it difficult for unauthorized persons toaccess the fasteners in order to remove the cover. Furthermore, itshould also be clear that the speedometer can be installed into theupper linkage members of other embodiments of this invention.

Also, while the upper and lower linkage members have been generallyshown as being parallel to each other, it should be understood that thisis simply for purposes of illustration and should not be construed aslimiting. In other embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable todesign the assembly so that the linkage members are not so aligned.Moreover, the fact that in the illustrated embodiments of the inventionthe upper and lower linkage members are shown as having generallyidentical lengths should not be considered limiting. As advantage ofhaving identical length linkage members is that the assemblies and thehandlebars to which they are attached will move in a linear path. Inother embodiments of the invention it may be desirable to arrange thelinkage members so that there is a slight curvature in the movement ofthe handlebar clamp and the handlebars attached thereto. This can beaccomplished by providing the handlebar assembly with upper and lowerlinkage members that are of uneven length.

Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all suchvariations and modifications as they come within the true spirit andscope of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A bicycle handlebarsupport assembly comprising:a mounting block secured to a bicycle frontfork assembly; an upper linkage member having a front end, and a tailend wherein said tail end is pivotally attached to said mounting block;a lower linkage member having a front end and a tail end disposed belowsaid upper linkage member and spaced therefrom, said lower linkagemember pivotally attached to said mounting block at said tail end;handlebar clamp assembly means for mounting a handlebar pivotallyattached to said upper linkage member front end and said lower linkagemember front end; a stop assembly including a first stop elementattached to said upper linkage member and extending downward therefromand a second stop element attached to said lower linkage member whereinsaid stop members are positioned to move apart from each other when saidlinkage members are moved downward and are positioned to engage and abuteach other when said linkage members are moved upward to stop upwardmovement of said linkage members prior to said lower linkage membercontacting said upper linkage member; and a biasing member extendingbetween said mounting block and said front end of one of said linkagemembers for resisting downward movement of said linkage members whereinsaid biasing member is pivotally connected to said mounting block. 2.The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 1, wherein said biasingmeans comprises a spring that extends between said mounting block andsaid upper linkage member, wherein said spring is pivotally mounted tosaid mounting block and said spring is compression fitted between saidmounting block and said upper linkage member.
 3. The bicycle handlebarsupport assembly of claim 2, further including a pivot pin for pivotallyattaching said lower linkage member to said mounting block wherein saidpivot pin has an axis that extends laterally across said lower linkagemember and wherein said spring pivots around said pivot pin axis.
 4. Thebicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 3, wherein said lowerlinkage member includes a sleeve in which said linkage member-mountingblock pivot pin is disposed and said spring extends between a springseat pivotally coupled to said lower linkage member sleeve and a stopassembly attached to said upper linkage member adjacent said handlebarclamp.
 5. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 2, wherein:said lowerlinkage member has a pair of spaced-apart laterally extending sidewalls;said first stop element is located adjacent said handlebar clampassembly means and is positioned between said walls of said lowerlinkage member; and said spring is located between said walls of saidlower linkage member and extends between said mounting block and saidfirst stop element.
 6. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 1wherein:said lower linkage member includes two laterally spaced-apartlongitudinally extending linkage arms; and said stop elements arebetween said lower linkage member longitudinally extending elements. 7.The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 1, wherein said upperand lower linkage members are parallel to each other.
 8. The bicyclehandlebar assembly of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower linkagemembers are substantially the same length.
 9. The bicycle handlebarassembly of claim 1 wherein an elastomeric dampening element isreleasably secured to one of said stop means so as to abut against theother of said stop means so as to establish a static position for saidassembly.
 10. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid stop elements are positioned to separate from each other when saidlinkage members are moved downward.
 11. A bicycle handlebar supportassembly comprising:a mounting block secured to a bicycle front forkassembly; an upper linkage member having a front end and a tail end,wherein said tail end is pivotally attached to said mounting block; alower linkage member having a front end and a tail end disposed belowsaid upper linkage member and spaced therefrom, said lower linkagemember pivotally attached to said mounting block at said tail end; ahandlebar clamp assembly means for mounting a handlebar, said handlebarclamp assembly pivotally attached to said upper linkage member front endand said lower linkage member front end; a linkage stop assemblyincluding a first stop element attached to said lower linkage member andextending upward therefrom and a second stop element attached to saidupper linkage member wherein said stop members are positioned to moveapart from each other when said linkage members are moved downward andare positioned to engage and abut each other when said linkage membersare moved upward to stop upward movement of said linkage members priorto said lower linkage member contacting said upper linkage member; and abiasing member extending between said mounting block and said front endof one of said linkage members for resisting downward movement of saidlinkage members wherein said biasing member is pivotally connected tosaid mounting block.
 12. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim11 wherein:said upper linkage member includes two laterally spaced-apartlongitudinally extending elements; and said stop elements are locatedbetween said upper linkage member longitudinally extending elements. 13.The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 12, wherein: said firststop element comprises a tab extending upward from said lower linkagemember between said upper linkage member's longitudinally extendingelements and said second stop element comprises an upper linkage membertab extending downward and disposed between said upper linkage member'slongitudinally extending elements; and said assembly further includes anelastomeric damping member disposed over one of said tabs so that, whensaid tabs are urged together, said damping member is disposed betweensaid tabs.
 14. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 11,further including a pivot pin attaching said lower linkage member tosaid mounting block, wherein said pivot pin has an axis that extendslaterally across said lower linkage member, and wherein said biasingmember is a spring coupled to pivot around said pivot pin axis and saidspring is compression secured between said mounting block and saidlinkage member.
 15. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 14,wherein said spring extends between a spring seat pivotally mountedaround said lower linkage membermounting block pivot pin and a springstop assembly attached to said upper linkage member adjacent said secondstop element wherein said second stop element adjacent said handlebarclamp.
 16. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 14, whereinsaid upper linkage member and said lower linkage member are each formedwith spaced-apart sidewalls and said spring extends between saidmounting block and said handlebar clamp assembly means wherein saidspring assembly is located between said walls of said upper linkagemember and said walls of said lower linkage member and, when said firstand second stop elements abut, said stop elements are locatedsubstantially between said walls of said upper linkage member.
 17. Thebicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 11, wherein said stopelements are positioned to separate from each other when said linkagemembers are moved downward.
 18. A bicycle handlebar support assemblycomprising:a mounting block secured to a bicycle front fork assembly; anupper linkage member having a front end, and a tail end wherein saidtail end is pivotally attached to said mounting block; a lower linkagemember having a front end and a tail end disposed below said upperlinkage member and spaced therefrom, said lower linkage member pivotallyattached to said mounting block at said tail end; handlebar clampassembly means for mounting a handlebar pivotally attached to said upperlinkage member front end and said lower linkage member front end; afirst stop element attached to said upper linkage member and extendingdownward therefrom; a second stop element attached to said lower linkagemember and positioned to engaged and abut said first stop member to stopupward movement of said linkage members prior to said lower linkagemember contacting said upper linkage member; and a spring disposedbetween said mounting block and said front end of said upper linkagemember for resisting downward movement of said linkage members relativeto each other wherein said spring is pivotally secured to said mountingblock.
 19. A bicycle handlebar support assembly comprising:a mountingblock secured to a bicycle front fork assembly; an upper linkage memberhaving a front end, and a tail end wherein said tail end is pivotallyattached to said mounting block; a lower linkage member including twolaterally spaced-apart longitudinally extending linkage arms locatedbelow said upper linkage member and spaced therefrom, wherein saidlinkage arms are pivotally attached to said mounting block; handlebarclamp assembly means for mounting a handlebar pivotally attached to saidupper linkage member front end, said handlebar clamp assembly includinga pivot pin to which said linkage arms are attached; a stop assemblyincluding a bracket secured to said upper linkage member adjacent saidlinkage arms wherein said bracket is formed with a sloping surface and asleeve removably secured over said linkage arms handlebar clamp pivotpin, wherein said bracket and said sleeve are positioned so that, whensaid upper linkage member and said linkage arms of said lower linkagemembers are moved upward, said sleeve abuts said bracket sloping surfaceprior to said linkage arms contacting said upper linkage member; and abiasing member extending between said mounting block and said front endof one of said linkage members for resisting downward movement of saidlinkage members wherein said biasing member is pivotally connected tosaid mounting block.
 20. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 19wherein:said biasing member comprises a spring and said spring extendsbetween said mounting block and said stop assembly of said upper linkagemember, is located between said linkage arms, and extends between saidmounting block and said handlebar clamp assembly means.
 21. The bicyclehandlebar support assembly of claim 20, further including a pivot pinfor pivotally attaching said linkage arms to said mounting block whereinsaid pivot pin has an axis that extends laterally across said lowerlinkage member and wherein said spring pivots around said pivot pinaxis.
 22. A bicycle handlebar support assembly comprising:a mountingblock secured to a bicycle front fork assembly; an upper linkage memberhaving a front end, and a tail end wherein said tail end is pivotallyattached to said mounting block; a lower linkage member having a frontend and a tail end, said lower linkage member being disposed below saidupper linkage member and spaced therefrom and pivotally attached to saidmounting block at said tail end; handlebar clamp assembly means formounting a handlebar pivotally attached to said upper linkage memberfront end and said lower linkage member front end; a stop assemblyincluding a first stop element attached to one of said linkage membersand a second stop element attached to said mounting block wherein saidstop elements are positioned so that, when said linkage members movedownward, said stop elements move apart and when said linkage membersmove upward, said stop members engage and abut each other prior to saidlower linkage member contacting said upper linkage member; and a biasingmember attached to one of said linkage members and extending betweensaid linkage members for resisting downward movement of said linkagemembers.
 23. The bicycle handlebar assembly of claim 22, wherein saidbiasing member is an elastomeric member.
 24. The bicycle handlebarassembly of claim 22, wherein said first stop element is a tab attachedto said upper linkage member that extends downward from said upperlinkage member.
 25. A bicycle handlebar assembly comprising:a mountingblock secured to a bicycle front fork assembly; an upper linkage memberhaving a front end and tail end wherein said tail end is pivotallyattached to said mounting block; handlebar clamp assembly means formounting said handlebar, said handlebar clamp assembly means pivotallyattached to said upper linkage member front end; a lower linkage memberlocated below said upper linkage member and pivotally attached at oneend to said mounting block and pivotally attached at a second end tosaid handlebar clamp assembly means; a stop assembly comprising anelongate member fixedly secured to said upper linkage member andpositioned to extend through an opening defined in said lower linkagemember and a stop element attached to said elongate member below saidlower linkage member opening and positioned to engage and abut saidlower linkage member to stop upward movement of said linkage membersprior to said lower linkage member striking said upper linkage member;and a biasing member attached to at least one of said linkage memberswherein said biasing member extending between said upper and lowerlinkage members for resisting downward movement of said linkage members.26. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 25, furtherincluding a pair of opposed, spaced-apart sidewalls extending downwardlyfrom said upper linkage member between said mounting block and saidhandlebar clamp assembly means, wherein said elongate member and saidstop element are disposed between said sidewalls.
 27. The bicyclehandlebar support assembly of claim 25, wherein said stop element isadjustably positionable along said elongate member.
 28. The bicyclehandlebar support assembly of claim 25, wherein said biasing member isan elastomeric member.
 29. A bicycle handlebar support assemblycomprising:a mounting block secured to a bicycle front fork assembly; anupper linkage member having a front end, and a tail end wherein saidtail end is pivotally attached to said mounting block; a lower linkagemember having a front end and a tail end disposed below said upperlinkage member and spaced therefrom, said lower linkage member pivotallyattached to said mounting block at said tail end; handlebar clampassembly means for mounting a handlebar pivotally attached to said upperlinkage member front end and said lower linkage member front end; a stopassembly including a first stop element attached to said upper linkagemember and extending downward therefrom, a second stop element attachedto said lower linkage member and extending upward therefrom, and adamping member disposed between said stop elements wherein said stopelements are positioned so that when said linkage members move downward,said stop elements move apart from each other and when said linkagemembers move upward, said stop members move together to compress saiddamping member therebetween to stop upward movement of said linkagemembers prior to said lower linkage member contacting said upper linkagemember; and a biasing member extending between said linkage members andadjacent said damping member for resisting downward movement of saidlinkage members relative to each other.
 30. The bicycle handlebarsupport assembly of claim 29, wherein said damping member is anelastomeric block located between said stop elements.
 31. The bicyclehandlebar support assembly of claim 29, wherein said upper linkagemember is formed with two downwardly extending spaced-apart sidewalls,said lower linkage member is formed with two upwardly extendingsidewalls, said first stop element extends from said upper linkagemember to the space between said lower linkage member sidewalls, andsaid second stop element extends from said lower linkage member to thespace between said upper linkage member sidewalls.
 32. The bicyclehandlebar support assembly of claim 29, wherein said second stop elementis a first upwardly directed tab attached to said lower linkage memberadjacent said handlebar clamp, said lower linkage member is formed witha second upwardly directed tab adjacent said mounting block, said firststop element is a downwardly directed tab located between said first andsecond upward extending tabs, and said biasing member extends betweensaid second upwardly directed tab and said downwardly directed tab. 33.The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 32, wherein said upperlinkage member is formed with two downwardly extending spaced-apartsidewalls, said lower linkage member is formed with two upwardlyextending sidewalls, said downwardly directed tab extends from saidupper linkage member to the space between said lower linkage membersidewalls, and said upwardly directed tabs extend from said lowerlinkage member to the space between said upper linkage member sidewalls.34. The bicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 32, wherein saidbiasing member comprises an elastomeric member disposed between saidsecond upwardly directed tab and said downwardly directed tab.
 35. Thebicycle handlebar support assembly of claim 32, wherein said dampingmember comprises an elastomeric member disposed between said firstupwardly directed tab and said downwardly directed tab.